Ukraine is transforming into a significant player in the realm of drone technology, catering to military needs and actively expanding its presence on the international stage. Domestic manufacturers produce around four million various drones annually, according to Bloomberg.
Among the drones produced are both affordable FPVs and powerful strike models. In comparison, about 100,000 military drones are made in the USA each year.
"It's not just about quantity, but also diversity. There might be more than in all NATO countries combined," noted RAND analyst Michael Bonert.
Some Ukrainian companies have successfully entered the European Union market. For instance, Skyeton has opened a new facility in Slovakia and formed partnerships with Denmark and the UK. This company specializes in manufacturing reconnaissance UAVs capable of flying for up to 24 hours.
Another manufacturer, TSIR, is actively working in Finland, preparing to launch a new production line for NATO-targeted drones.
Funding is a crucial factor in this industry. The FlyWell consortium, which brings together several Ukrainian drone companies, aims to raise about $50 million to support new European production and research projects, including the development of hydrogen fuel cells for drones. Relocating production to Europe will create a secure environment, making them inaccessible to Russia.
European companies are also actively developing new solutions. Finnish firm Summa Defence is self-funding the production of three drone prototypes that can enter mass production immediately after testing in Ukraine. Part of the output will be directed to NATO countries, but Ukraine remains a priority.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the launch of mass production of a new drone model intended as an alternative to Chinese Mavic UAVs. According to him, an alternative has been found, though details remain undisclosed.